Zika virus is a
single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus.
Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes
species mosquito, but perinatal, in utero, sexual and possible transfusion
transmission events have also been reported. Most people infected with Zika
virus are asymptomatic. Characteristic clinical findings are acute onset of
fever with maculopapular rash that is usually itchy, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis. Other commonly
reported symptoms include myalgia and headache. Clinical illness is usually
mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Severe disease requiring
hospitalization is uncommon and case fatality is low. However, there have been
cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and possibly other congenital neurologic
abnormalities. Please see information below for up-to-date recommendations for
testing and management of infants and women of childbearing age, pregnant
women, and their partners.